Relationship Between Opioid Use and Pain Severity Ratings in Workers With Low Back Pain

OBJECTIVE: The primary goal of this cross-sectional analysis was to determine the relationships between self-reported low back pain (LBP) ratings and use of opioid medications. METHODS: At baseline, subjects completed a computerized questionnaire. Structured interviews were conducted by residents or certified therapists under the direction of board-certified physicians. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant non-linear relationship between lifetime prevalence of worst LBP rating (0–10) and lifetime prevalence of opioid use. Those with a low pain rating for worst lifetime LBP and those with high LBP ratings were significantly more likely to have been prescribed opioids. Surprisingly, those with moderate pain ratings were the least likely to have used opioids. CONCLUSIONS: This study found a higher use of opioids between workers with low and high severe pain rating then those with moderate pain. We also found an increase of opioid use for severe pain.